Beginning Feb. 15th (Friday) and each Friday for 5 weeks, Rev. Michael Gadway will present an hour long class at 6pm on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

This unique class will present the historical Patanjali and his sutras in the old format of the ancient Gurus. We will explore the early techniques of Shruti: the oral tradition of concentration and contemplation. We will analyze the grammar and structure of the sutras (how they were written/the breaking into chapters/flow and rhythm etc…). The student will learn to chant several of the sutras in Sanskrit and contemplate their meaning, coming to their own realizations.

We will discover the Kriya Yoga of Patanjali as well as the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali and how they were not differentiated contextually until late in the 19th century by Vivekananda.

The first class will be an introductory class with each subsequent class on each of the Padas for the next 4 weeks. The classes will build on each other and cannot be taken separately.

This class is a blend of relaxing, calm stretching and vigorous, strength building standing poses

Classes usually begin with a simple 1-2 minute seated meditation followed by at least 15-20 minutes of stretching warm-ups before engaging in more strenuous sequences of sun salutations and warrior poses. The most vigorous, portion is usually followed by balancing poses for a calming and cooling down and then back to the floor and ending with a 5-10 minute savasana.

Warm up stretches are often geared toward a certain pose or body area that will be focused on during the class. With the use of props such as blocks and straps the class is suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced.

Newer students are encouraged to find their own personal “edge,” not to push beyond their capacity and usually find, over time and with practice, their capacity increases and they can perform the more advanced versions of the pose.

Yoga is not competitive nor is it about self judgment, it is about linking the body and the mind through the breath thereby finding that calm, quiet place where you are totally in tune and at oneness in body, mind and spirit.

*Registration is appreciated, so we know you are coming, but not required. Payment is taken at the door.

Child Centered Spiritual Activities are offered every Sunday in our center classroom during our Festival of Light service that is held in the adjoining temple space. The children are led in games, stories, crafts and simple yoga and meditation that uplift the consciousness and reminds them of their spiritual identity. Please contact us for more information.

The Sunday worship service at Ananda is inspired by the meditation tradition of the East and the ancient teachings of mystical Christianity, with inspirational readings from both the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita. Service includes music, group chanting and meditation, an inspirational talk drawn from the writings of Paramhansa Yogananda, and a unique blessing ceremony called the Festival of Light.

Before service begins at 10 am, you are welcome to a period of silent meditation from 9 to 9:45 am. Those who wish can also participate in a ceremony of individual prayer for freedom or clarity about a personal challenge, called the Purification Ceremony. You may offer that prayer at the altar.

Our hearts and our sanctuary are open to people of all faiths, races, orientations, truth-seekers, people exploring meditation for the first time, and anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the meaning and purpose of life.

After Service, you are invited to meet the ministers and others in the congregation over snacks in the foyer.

Our approach emphasizes dynamic relaxation through the various postures, combined with breathing techniques, affirmations and mental focus. Postures are adapted for individual needs and abilities and we encourage awareness and relaxation rather than physical strain. The result is physical rejuvenation, mental clarity and a deeper sense of inner peace.

Classes are suitable for all levels. Wear comfortable clothing. Please come a bit early for your first class, to meet the instructor and answer questions. Mats and blankets are provided, but you may bring your own gear.

*Preregistration is encouraged, but not required. Drop-ins are welcome.

Join us for our Tuesday evening group meditation from 7:30–8:30pm (right after Hatha Yoga).

These are open to all. Join in the powerful dynamic of group meditations. This is a wonderful way to decompress from your day at work and to finish the rest of your week with focused and dynamic energy.

We invite all to come for part of or for the entire hour. We understand that people have different availability. Bring your gear, or borrow a chair. Come and add your light to the group.

A wonderful way to begin or keep up your spiritual practice, this 90-minute sadhana includes the Energization Exercises, pranayama, yoga poses, Chanting, and meditation.

The Energization Exercises were created for the purpose of activating the body cells at the same time balancing the excess energy within us, thus relaxing the body and mind. This unique series of exercises can be done during the day to energize oneself, and at the end of the day for centering and relaxation.

Pranayama is a technique to control the breath. In our day to day lives we often forget to breathe evenly, therefore practicing pranayama helps expel any accumulated carbon dioxide in the body and intake higher amounts of oxygen. Pranayama also helps us harness the flow of prana, life force energy, which enhances our health and mood.

Hatha Yoga is not only a physical exercise but also a union of body, mind and soul. Using breath control while smoothly going in and gradually coming out of yoga poses keeps the mind connected to the physical body. During this time the observer within the body is naturally awakened and if you focus completely you can almost feel the body, the mind, and the soul as separate yet one. As you continue the practice you will eventually feel the separateness dissolve.

Chanting of a mantra or kirtan is a nice way to let go of thoughts in the mind and feel peace. All mantras are made up of sounds that have a higher vibration. One single chanting can stay with you all day.

You will be gently guided into meditation after the chanting. Your mind may or may not come to complete stillness but the beauty of meditation is to accept whatever is and to be in the moment. Allowing your mind and breath to be as is in your meditation; you will find yourself rested, calm and peaceful at the end of the session.